If you plug in a USB-based spectrum analyzer, Wi-Spy by MetaGeek, the Channels and Spectrum pane displays a live spectrum picture.

The latest CommView for WiFi version support a number of widely available, affordable 802.11n USB adapters shown below. They can also be used in multi-adapter mode; you can plug in several adapters to capture data on several channels simultaneously.

Edimax EW-7733UnD2.4 and 5 GHz, three spatial streams

Linksys AE30002.4 and 5 GHz, three spatial streams

TP-Link TL-WDN32002.4 and 5 GHz, two spatial streams

D-Link DWA-160 v.B22.4 and 5 GHz, two spatial streams

Try It Yourself!

CommView for WiFi is available immediately. Download it today to perform professional WLAN analysis.